This is just a guess.

“No way… Did you hear something?”

But pretending not to, Sesenia nodded firmly as if she really knew something.

“Yes. I can’t say specifically who did it to protect that person, but trust me and investigate. Wouldn’t that ease Father’s worries a bit? I’m just worried about Father. I’m afraid that elder sister’s selfish actions will wear Father down mentally and physically.”

Even if what Sesenia said turned out to be wrong, it didn’t really matter. She could just say it was a misunderstanding when the time came.

“…I see. You’re asking me to investigate your elder sister because of my worries. Not because you suspect her.”

“Yes.”

“Alright. I’ll have it investigated then.”

Elzere had collapsed while fasting.

Due to the fall, Elzere had hit her head and bled, requiring a doctor’s examination. This was the point Sesenia found suspicious.

At the time, Sesenia was plagued with guilt, thinking Elzere had collapsed because of her. As soon as Elzere fell, she went to help her in every way possible.

Then she overheard the grumblings of the doctor examining Elzere.

The doctor who came every day due to the Duke’s fuss. He muttered about not understanding why Elzere collapsed when there was no reason for her to.

The past Sesenia, who had stepped out during the examination to personally prepare her elder sister’s meal, heard those words.

At the time, she didn’t understand what the doctor meant, but looking back now, it seemed that even this was a ‘lie’ from Elzere.

How could Elzere, who valued herself so much, starve herself?

“Come to think of it.”

Sesenia, who had been briefly lost in those thoughts, flinched slightly at the Duke’s sudden voice.

“Yes?”

“Your elder sister seems to have gained more weight… Her cheeks seem a bit fuller recently… I see.”

“Is that so?”

As if doubting himself, the Duke stroked his chin with an uncomfortable expression.

“I’ll check as you said. Anyway, this remains a secret until the end, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then about the escort…”

“I’ll go without an escort as well. I hope you can understand that much.”

“Alright.”

That was it. As if the conversation was over, the Duke left with those final words. Sesenia watched him go, then lay down completely on the sofa.

Perhaps she had been waiting outside the room, Lizbeth came in and quickly fanned Sesenia’s face.

“Young lady. Are you alright?”

“Hmm? Do I not look alright?”

“No. Your face has turned completely pale.”

“Ah… I must be tired.”

“Shall I prepare a place for you to rest?”

At those words, Sesenia, who had been sprawled out until just now, quickly sat up.

“No. I… I want to go out.”

“Where are you going?”

“The only place I can go is the company. Going there calms my mind.”

“Ah. Yes! I’ll prepare the carriage right away.”

As if it was welcome news, Lizbeth prepared the carriage without any delay.

**

Arriving at the company, Sesenia sprawled out comfortably on the sofa.

Although the business was set to properly start in spring, the company was busy with various matters.

Rohan had brought several business items and started them with Sesenia’s permission.

While Hepria cotton was a high-risk, high-return venture, the businesses Rohan brought were low-risk, low-return.

They didn’t bring enormous profits like Hepria cotton, but they were guaranteed businesses that trading companies and merchants had been doing since ancient times.

Business items with a long history.

The trade of raw ore starting from the mining industry.

Spices, especially among essential food items, were quite attractive businesses for those just starting out.

They didn’t require large warehouses and were traded at high prices. Because of this, Rohan couldn’t even greet Sesenia properly when she arrived.

“It’s extremely busy.”

“I’m sorry. Could you wait just a moment? I just finished this round of appointments.”

“Alright.”

“You can stay on the first floor. We no longer accept walk-in customers indiscriminately.”

At those words, Sesenia took a seat in a chair on the first floor.

Noticing Sesenia had arrived, Tedel, who had been on the second floor, soon took a seat beside her.

“I’d heard about it, but I didn’t know it would be to this extent.”

“Indeed. Rohan looks quite impressive.”

As if he caught this conversation well, Rohan’s shoulders rose with a rather proud expression.

But Sesenia was busy observing the customers.

They weren’t walk-ins.

As if they had made appointments with Rohan in advance, the man received documents from Rohan, then quickly turned around with a pleased expression.

“There are too many customers even when being selective.”

All those who came to the Iar Company, which had suddenly become a rising star, to gain insight were turned away.

So now, most of those who came to the Iar Company were not walk-ins, but customers who had made appointments in advance.

They were people whose identities had been verified, coming to exchange benefits and gain business insights.

“That’s right. I wonder if I’m overworking him too much.”

“Not at all. I thought the sword would be my path for life, but now it seems business is my path. Every day is truly enjoyable. Even meeting people like this with appointments.”

Rohan preemptively spoke, perhaps worried that Sesenia might feel sorry.

“That’s good then… Do you have another appointment?”

“Yes.”

“This won’t do.”

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

“I was thinking of going out. Since Rohan looks busy, I’ll have to go without him.”

“I think I could spare about ten minutes. It’s just that the next appointment…”

Sesenia stood up and patted Rohan’s shoulder.

“It’s alright. We’ll go by ourselves. Rohan, take good care of the company. I always trust you.”

“…Haa. Young lady… Always leaving me out…”

“I’m counting on you, Rohan.”

As Sesenia was about to turn around, comforting him as if to say ‘hang in there’, that’s when it happened.

“Young lady.”

“Yes?”

“Am I a person who is helpful to you?”

“I feel like I’ve been getting that question a lot lately.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not that. It must mean I haven’t given enough confidence to those who ask that question. I should be the one apologizing.”

Surprised by the unexpected answer, Rohan hurriedly waved his hands.

“No, it’s not that. I just asked an unnecessary question…”

“No, it’s not. From now on, I should give you all more assurance. First, Rohan. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even thought of these things. Rohan, you’re someone who is very helpful to me. And you’re like a reliable elder brother. So, don’t doubt yourself.”

It’s not clear how those words were received by Rohan.

Unlike before, when she would use her brain for every single word to make things favorable for herself, and analyze their words, this was completely different.

It was sincere. What Sesenia felt towards those she considered completely on her side, like Rohan, Lizbeth, and Tedel, was sincere.

Sincerity without a hint of calculation.

Perhaps that’s why Rohan pushed up his glasses that had naturally slid down.

“Then I…”

“Yes?”

“I will do my best. In my position. To live up to your trust. That’s what I’ll do.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“Yes. Have a good outing. With Teddy there, there’s nothing to worry about.”

At those words, Lizbeth turned her head sharply.

“Shouldn’t you be relieved because I’m going, not Teddy? This reliable younger sister?”

“Hmm. No. Teddy is much more trustworthy than you. He learns so fast. I barely taught him anything, but he’s absorbed all my swordsmanship like water.”

“…Anyway! I’m the young lady’s maid.”

“That’s why I’m always anxious. Wondering if you’re causing trouble.”

Looking at his sister with a playful expression, Rohan thoroughly messed up Lizbeth’s hair.

“Have a good trip. Take care.”

“Oh really! Stop doing that. It messes up my hair. And are you looking down on me because I’m short?”

It wasn’t a loving pat.

Rohan was holding Lizbeth’s head, who was trying to lunge at him with her short arms and legs, and applying pressure.

Just enough so that Lizbeth’s arms could never reach him. Lizbeth, who had been flailing in the air, huffed and puffed before finally seeming to give up with a deep sigh.

“Really. Big brother, you’re so annoying.”

“Yeah. Me too. Then Teddy, please take good care of this lacking little sister and the young lady.”

“Yes, Rohan sir.”

After looking at Teddy for a moment, Rohan wrapped a thick muffler around Teddy’s neck.

“This is better.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

Teddy’s lips trembled, seemingly moved by the action that hid the restraint on his neck.

“Now go. The next customer is expected soon. Have a good trip, young lady.”

“Alright.”

Sesenia, who had been watching the two with satisfaction, then went outside.

**

The place they went was the market. The imperial capital’s market that was always open.

A place full of all kinds of people and all sorts of goods. And as soon as they arrived at the entrance, a small dog joined the three of them.

“What a cute dog.”

“Is it cute?”

A silver dog with a slight blue tint.

Unlike ordinary dogs that are picky about people, the dog showed no intention of leaving their side.

Instead, it looked at the three people, especially Teddy, with a very disgruntled face and snorted repeatedly.

‘It’s Silian.’

As if following the order to guard well, Silian followed behind them in the form of that dog that had previously sought out Sesenia.

Only then did Sesenia recall that there had been a dog by her side before, and even before that.

‘He keeps his promises quite well, I guess.’

Sesenia didn’t find it cute at all, knowing its true identity, but Lizbeth was different.

“Wow, it’s really gentle, young lady.”

Lizbeth immediately put her hands under the dog’s armpits and picked it up.

As if it was an unexpected situation, the dog hesitated and then struggled.

The problem started now.